Jvc

Of trumpeter Blue Mitchell's seven Riverside recordings (all of which have been reissued as CDs in the Original Jazz Classics series), only this set (along with three numbers on Blue Soul) feature Mitchell as the only horn. Joined by pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Roy Brooks, the trumpeter is typically distinctive, swinging and inventive within the hard bop genre. He performs four standards, Ronnell Bright's "Sweet Pumpkin," and the obscure "Avars," and a pair of originals in fine fashion. ~ Scott Yanow

Malta is a Japanese jazz fusion group.

Alex Acuna ( drummer for the famous Weather Report ) and world class session drummer is well known but his work with the "Unknowns" remains unknown to the vast majority of the jazz fusion listening public!

Cornetist Nat Adderley was at the peak of his powers in the mid-1960's. This Atlantic issue has four quintet numbers with tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson (three also feature pianist Herbie Hancock) plus four tunes in which Nat is part of an 11-piece group. He plays quite well on such songs as "Cantaloupe Island," "Hippodelphia," "Gospellete" and even the then-current pop tune "Call Me," making this set one to search for.

Meant as a tribute to Ben Webster, Jacintha's album nonetheless expresses her Billie Holliday Influence as well. A well known singer and stage talent in the Singapore entertainment scene, Jacintha (in the tradition of one name jazz luminaries such as the Duke, Django and Ella) now pays her dues to the music she grew up listening to. This disc has been all the rage among jazz aficionados and audiophiles everywhere since its release, garnering endless positive reviews.

This Explosive New Jazz Release from Tetsuo Sakuri features the very special talents of Greg Howe and Dennis Chambers. Hear modern jazz from the Far East!

Keyboardist Tom Coster looks to the 1970s for inspiration on this set, particularly toward Chick Corea's Return to Forever and Miles Davis. The music mixes together funk and jazz with liberal doses of R&B and Latin, and the passionate rhythms add to the power of the improvisations. Coster, Bob Berg on tenor, and guitarist Frank Gambale take strong solos that give the CD plenty of stimulating moments. Acoustic purists are advised to look elsewhere, but fusion fans will enjoy this fine set.